New Beginnings, A Well Kept Secret

We've said countless times that -“ if people only knew how much what we do means to our “New Tenants” and what a blessing it can be - there’d be a line of people waiting for a turn to serve!”  It’s  time to share the fun and share the blessings!

Discover

the “secret,” by being an active part of 

New Beginnings!

Could you be:

• A COWGIRL / COWBOY?  
• A SHOPAHOLIC?
• A GIRL(S) FRIDAY (or guys) ?
• A CHUCKWAGONEER or FOOD WRANGLER?
• A NIGHT RIDER?
• A HAPPY HAULER?

Discover the secret by BEING A BLESSING!!

COWGIRL / COWBOY to “ride herd” on the upstairs storage room.  Sort incoming donations.  Size & mark sheet sets, blankets, comforters & towels.  Organize housewares, dishes, flatware, glasses, pots, pans, small appliances, etc.  Could work with “new tenants” by appointment?

Time needed: once organized - about an hour or so per week (depending on amount of donations).

SHOPAHOLIC - be a Dollar Tree regular.  Once a week or every two weeks (as needed).  Shop Dollar Tree for our “Starter Baskets”.  We usually buy enough of about 14 different items to make up 4 baskets.  Then deliver the items to our storage room upstairs at Church. 

Time required: approximately an hour & a half weekly at your convenience.

GIRL(S) FRIDAY (or guys) - help with Data Entry recording info on # of households served, etc.  Record individual expenditures to provide better accountability of cash donations —what’s being spent on different categories. Help with correspondence like thank you notes and tax letters.  

Time required: whatever time you have — the biggest job will be set up and catch up—after that maybe an hour a week?

CHUCKWAGONEER / FOOD WRANGLER - drive your “chuckwagon” out to the St. Louis Area Foodbank, pickup large food order(s) and deliver to new tenant(s).  An SUV, station wagon or pickup truck is needed.   

Time required: pickup between 12 & 2 p.m. then make the delivery—will take most of an afternoon, once a week or once in a while; pick your day.

NIGHT RIDERS - Night Riders travel in pairs to pick up furniture donations from folks who work and are not available for daytime pickups.  Seasonal –would work until the change in daylight savings time. Requires moderate to heavy lifting (sofas).  Don’t worry, we don’t do appliances!

Time required: probably an hour and a half once a week.

HAPPY HAULERS - work in pairs to pick up furniture donations & / or deliver to “new tenants”.  Interesting and rewarding work.  Involves moderate to heavy lifting.

Time required :  2 1/2 to 3 hours on Saturdays (or whichever day suits your schedule).  We don’t do appliances.

Talk to Chuck by calling the church office (314-771-9214) or email.

Success of New Orleans Mission Project

MULTI-STATE EFFORT HELPS DISABLED NEW ORLEANS MAN GET BACK HOME - by Gretchen Bell
- August 22, 2011

Jason Hurst and his mother, Willmarine, finally got back to their house in New Orleans at 5am Monday morning June 27. It was a 530 mile drive, which took almost 6 years. What made it happen was the kindness of strangers, the internet and the resourcefulness disabled people and their families find deep down inside themselves when they have to.

At the time Hurricane Katrina was approaching New Orleans in August 2005, Jason, 30 years old and a quadriplegic, owned his own home in Ponchartrain Park, employed several relatives as attendants, was working on a degree at nearby Southern Louisiana U and was able to get around town via public transport. When he and his family realized the impending danger, he was quickly stuffed into the back seat of his uncle’s sedan with his manual wheelchair, leaving the power wheelchair and his beloved dog, Candy, behind.

It was a difficult ride to Dallas, Texas but it was fortunate that they decided to leave rather than stay to ride out the storm. The state of Louisiana recorded 1464 post-Katrina storm-related deaths – 400 were children – many of them disabled and elderly people who died by drowning. The water that flooded and damaged Jason’s home rose to a level just below the ceiling.

Upon arriving in Dallas at his sister’s place, he realized that he could not get up to her upper floor apartment. Then he and his mother were turned away from the Red Cross shelter. That was when they met the first of many strangers who assisted them in their struggle to live temporarily in Texas and to get back home. A local woman helped the two find accessible housing. As soon as they got settled and had access to a computer, Jason started posting e-mails on pet-related websites in an effort to find Candy. StealthVolunteers, Jane Carter from Virginia among them, started looking for Jason’s dog. Incredibly, they were successful. He got the call that someone had found Candy and was bringing her to Dallas.

In March 2006, Jason and Willmarine borrowed a van to travel to New Orleans to work with West Bank United Methodist Storm Relief to gut their house. They got the assistance of volunteers from Lafayette Park UMC of St. Louis, Missouri. One of those volunteers, Larry Heugatter, came back with a team from G&C Roofing (Henry Gibson) and truck full of shingles and roofers to replace the roof.

And then the house stood, the interior stripped down to the studs, while the family went thru the state Road Home process to get a grant to reconstruct it and find a trustworthy contractor to do the work. Thru the winter of 2008, I tried to find a non-profit in New Orleans knowledgeable about mold remediation, which was the next step before drywall went up. Amy Allen from Hands on New Orleans offered to provide tools & instruction if I could bring volunteers. I contacted Robin Perry, founder of Philly to NOLA, and she pulled together 5 musicians and 2 World Café Live staffers to go down for 5 days with me in May of that year to kill mold.

When this was completed and after Jason received his Road Home funding, he hired a family friend, Ed, as his contractor. Ed became notorious for not responding to calls to his cell phone. I heard at one point that he lost one phone by dropping it between the studs and the drywall. Jason coordinated electricians, plumbers and inspectors by phone. Reconstruction was moving along, very slowly.

Meanwhile, Larry in St. Louis and Jane in Virginia were busy trying to get measurements to order appliances for the Hurst house. Fundraisers had been held at the World Café Live in Philadelphia and at the Lafayette Park UMC in St. Louis. The money was combined and when the decisions were made, Larry ordered a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer & dryer from the Home Depot in New Orleans. They were held at the store until the home was complete…….and occupied.

All though the fall of 2009, Jason followed his New Orleans Saints who were having a good season. His medical issues took a back seat that winter as Drew Brees and the team moved into the playoffs and then, the unbelievable happened! Black and Gold won Super Bowl XLIV! How sweet!

So far that spring and summer, the year had been difficult for the usually active Jason. But on August 13, we all received an e-mail that really knocked the stuffing out of our reconstruction ambitions: Willmarine said someone broke into their house, tore up the sheetrock, ripped out the wiring and cut a hole in the roof. She was completely despondent. Jason was devastated.

She said she was through. She told us not to respond, she didn’t feel like talking. We did not know what to say or what to do next. The family had no more Road Home funds to use.

Willmarine Hurst is a freelance writer. She puts her emotions into articles. This time she poured out her heart to the New Orleans Times Picayune. And once again, a stranger contacted her. Bonnie Evans from Catholic Charities had read the article and wanted to help. They were the non-profit that completed work on the house.

On June 26 Jason’s brother Jahmal, Ed and a few other family friends dismantled the hospital bed and loaded everything into a U-Haul. Willmarine drove Jason in their troublesome van. The trip was made several hours longer because the van tire had a blow-out…..twice. But they got home. With a little help from their friends.

Adventures in Faith - Begins February 27th

Ready to make a difference! Beginning the week of February 27, we will begin a Lenten book study. It is sure to change you! The book “Change the World, Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus” is part of the Rethink Church series. It was written by Rev. Mike Slaughter pastor at Ginghamsburg UMC Church, in Tipp City, Ohio.

Check the trailer, then contact the Church Office to sign-up!

Walking Home Event - Nov. 13th

On Saturday, November 13, The Bridge will host the 3rd annual Walking Home Event to raise awareness of the existence of homelessness in St. Louis and to further understanding of the challenges faced by sojourners each day. The Walk will begin at Centenary United Methodist Church, home of The Bridge, at 1610 Olive St. downtown.

Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. Breakfast will be served, and on-site registration will be from 9:30 to 10:00. Participants may also register by going to The Bridge website, www.bridgestl.org, and are encouraged to do so. At 10:00, Executive Director Reverend Kathleen Wilder will welcome walkers, followed by a few words from Mayor Slay and a brief statement from one of the guests of The Bridge. The first group of walkers will leave the church at approximately 10:20. At each of five stops along the trail, participants will be greeted by a Walk host who will tell a little about the services of a particular agency, or talk about the significance of the point at which the group is stopped. The entire route will take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours to cover. For those who are unable to complete the entire distance, there will be a point mid-way, or sooner, at which people may return to the church. Back at Centenary UMC, walkers will have the chance to discuss what they heard--and learned--while they have lunch and enjoy music by Not for a Billion--the Ron Daugherty Party Band.

Please join staff and guests of The Bridge for this very important event. Reading or hearing about homelessness is one thing. Walking the path that hundreds of people travel every day, just to get their basic needs met; talking with a veteran who has no place to call home; looking into the face of a young mother raising her children alone; these can take a person from knowing that homelessness exists in our city to, just maybe, being able to understand a little bit of what that means. Walking Home is a no-fee event; however, we will gladly accept free-will donations on site.

McKinley Peace Community Garden

From McKinley Peace Community Garden-2010

The raised beds are in and the plantings are done! This summers marks the first season for the McKinley Peace Community Garden. The garden is a project of Lafayette Park UMC and the McKinley Classical Jr Academy.

The garden is located in at McKinley Classical Jr Academy. If you have a few minutes drop by and check on the progress. If you have an extra 30 minutes, check with Fred Domke an offer to help out. There are always opportunities to share your skills either with the earth or the students.

Shalom House July Supply Drive

LPUMC is having a supply drive for Shalom House during the month of July. We are collecting donations of the following:

• Paper towels
• Cleaning supplies
• Trash bags

Shalom House has a large need for these items, so LPUMC is trying to stock them up! Please drop off any donations in the container downstairs in Fellowship Hall.

Shalom House offers innovative programs to empower women who are homeless and mentally ill to seek treatment and acquire the skills needed to become self-sufficient. They provide emergency shelter for 25 women and transitional housing for another dozen. Shalom House is a United Methodist Vital Ministry.

Thank you all for your continual support of Shalom House.

Hands In Mission at Shalom House - July 25

On Saturday, July 25th, we will be gathering to go over to Shalom House and do some things there with and for the residents. Shalom House offers short-term shelter and support (classes, internet access, meals, spiritual guidance, and health care) for women who need help getting their feet back on the ground. There is also a transitional program for those who are making good progress in moving toward becoming self-sufficient again.

The three projects are:

1. Painting a room
2. Mowing the lawn, trimming, and weeding the flower beds
3. Cooking up a hot brunch and serving it to the ladies.

If you are able to bring a mower, please let me know. Their mower broke at the beginning of the summer, and they have been just getting by week by week until a new one is donated. I have a weed-wacker that can also be used for trimming the sides of the building.

If you are interested in being part of the brunch team, please let me know. We would be feeding 10-15 people, and can use the kitchen, but will need to figure out what to serve, and where and how to get the ingredients.

We will meet at LPUMC at 7:45 and car pool over! Hope to see you with HIM!

Pastor Sharon

Youth Mission Trip - July 12-16th 2009

Destination: The rural community of Theodosia, Missouri
Location: South central MO, on shore of Bull Shoals

Host: Theodosia UMC. We’ll bring bedrolls and air mattresses and sleep on the floor. We will use the church kitchen, and shower at the YMCA
Project: Tornado cleanup
Purpose: To go deeper with God through serving God’s people
Fun Day: Thursday: ½ day float trip and picnic. Bring fishing poles
Cost: We’ll have fundraisers to cover the cost of our groceries and traveling expenses. The float trip will cost approx. $20 per person. Everybody needs to participate in the fundraiser.
Spending $: No more than $20, please
Chaperones: Pastor Sharon, Joel Kichline, and Cami Bisch
Questions: Call Pastor Sharon at 314/566-0332 or email

Mission Meeting: July 2 @ 7pm LPUMC Fellowship Hall
(Youth required to be in attendance with a parent)

UMC Habitat for Humanity - Fall 2009

UMC Habitat for Humanity builds this summer

Lafayette Park UMC will partner with other United Methodist churches in St. Louis on a Habitat-build off North Grand. No particular expertise is required, but you must be 18 or older to participate. This will be a great opportunity to meet and work with other United Methodists in our city and to help someone build a new home for their family. The work day typically lasts from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

LPUMC is invited to bring 4-8 persons to each of these four dates:

• August 8th


• August 29th


• October 3rd


• October 17th

If you are interested in participating, please contact Chris Kinder or Pastor Sharon at or 566-0332 to sign up.

Hands in Mission - Summer 2009!

Something new is coming . . .

WHAT? Hands in Mission (H.I.M.) will provide teams of workers to be sent into our local mission field to serve local projects and further develop relationships with existing Methodist agencies. The purpose of these opportunities is to nurture personal relationships with staff, volunteers and clients, and to make a difference in our community by assisting with unbudgeted maintenance tasks.

Typically, we will form workgroups within our multi-aged project team and work side-by-side with other volunteers/staff to perform the tasks at hand. During our time at the worksite, we will tour the facility and learn about the services that our host provides.

WHEN? Hands In Mission will usually take place one Saturday morning a month from 8:00 until noon, or whatever part of the morning works into your schedule. We will do three H.I.M.’s this summer, from June through August.

WHY? Because as part of the body of Christ, we are invited to be Christ’s hands in our community, to do his work of building, healing, and loving.

Dates for upcoming H.I.M. Opportunities
Saturday, June 13th Centenary Cares
Saturday, July 25th Shalom House
Saturday, August 22nd TBA

Questions? Contact Jason Stokes, Chris Kinder, or Pastor Sharon

Local Hands-on Mission: Solomon’s Project

May 30, 2009 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Find your work gloves and favorite ole’ t-shirt, and plan now to join a mission team from Lafayette Park UMC to work on a local building project through the Solomon Project.

Solomon Project is organized through our neighbors at North Grand Neighborhood Services (NGNS). They rehab older homes and buildings that have fallen into significant disrepair, and might even have been condemned. One by one by one, this organization, supported by corporate, non-for-profits, and private sponsors, has transformed derelict buildings into beautiful and affordable housing.

Depending on the team size, we may have smaller groups painting, cleaning up the worksite, dry-walling, etc, but there will be something for everyone to do.

Lunch will be provided on the worksite.

NGNS also welcomes financial support for their projects. Every penny received is passed on as savings to the prospective home owner.

Any questions? Contact Pastor Sharon at 566-0332 or Jason Stokes. For more information, you can also check out www.solomonproject.org.

Fundraiser for Mozambique Initiative - Mar 14

As a part of the Mozambique Initiative Team for the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church, Brenda Cook has an amazing opportunity to be part of the leadership delegation to Mozambique in August 2009. On March 14, 3:30-5:30, Brenda Cook will be hosting a “girls night out” at Looking Glass Designs located in the historic Lafayette Square area as a fundraiser for this ministry. You are invited to shop for beautiful boutique items, home decor and customized gifts. The Looking Glass Designs specializes in handbags and totes for adults and children. All of the guests will receive a special monogrammed attendance gift and 20% of the profit will be donated to my Mozambique mission trip.

Andrea Heugatter who is also a member of Lafayette Park UMC owns the Looking Glass Designs shop. The shop is located at 1410 S. 18th Street. Please join us and become a part of the Mozambique ministry. If you cannot attend but would like to assist in this mission, donations can be made through Lafayette Park UMC, attention Mozambique.

When: March 14, 3:30-5:30
Where: Looking Glass Designs - 1410 S. 18th Street

Please RSVP by March 6, 2009

For more on the Mozambique Initiative visit http://www.mozambiqueinitiative.org/

Decorate the UMW Mitten Tree

The United Methodist Women invite you to bring in your new (all sizes) hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and thick socks to decorate the Mitten Tree in the Sanctuary this December. The clothing will be divided between Kingdom House and the children at Sigel Elementary School (Sigel asked for socks because there are many children who come to school without socks throughout the winter).

Coat Drive!

We are again collecting clean and repaired coats (for all ages) for those who are in need of a warm coat to wear during the winter months. If you have a coat to share, drop it in the box in Fellowship Hall downstairs. They will be shared with the guests at Cares Outreach, our United Methodist outreach to the homeless in our urban community.

Reading Mentors - Fall 2008

We have another opportunity to be engaged in helping kids learn how to read better, and to be "encouragers" of their self confidence in school and in life. When Principal Vasilika Tsichlis was here from Hodgens Elementary School, she invited us to become part of the H.E.A.R.T.s Program (Hodgen's Excellent Academic Reading Tutors).

Their goal is to find a tutor to mentor every second and third grader. Mentoring happens on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:15am-10:45am, or 11:50am-12:20pm. Training will be provided and each student will have materials to work on with their tutor.

There are currently four folks from LPUMC that are planning to become mentors. If you would like to join us, contact Pastor Sharon at 566-0332. I fully expect it to be an amazing blessing for us as God's Spirit flows through us to nurture our neighbors' children.

Pastor Sharon

Tri-Ball-Athon - June 21st

The LPUMC Young Adult group will be participating in the Tri-Ball-Athon! This benefit for Metro Homeless Center and Family Services will consist of volleyball, kickball and bounce ball. Our team will be "competing" against some of St. Louis's finest!

Metro's new group, The Shalom Outreach Society, is hosting this - a lazy person's triathlon! Please join us for a day of food, festivities, and fun in Forest Park from 11am to 4pm on Saturday June 21st. BBQ, beverages, and other snacks will be available for purchase starting at 11am.

If your interested in joining our team, contact Victoria Leonard as soon as possible to finalize our team, options for car pooling and team attire!